Over the last decade, as industries have turned to investments in new, innovative materials rather than traditional ones, Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) have emerged as preferred profiles in the market.
The demand for composite materials has skyrocketed, further promoting the development of polymer composites. Companies are discovering that the benefits of using FRP profiles include reducing capital expenditure and providing long-term investment protection for both businesses and the industry as a whole.
In general, engineering teams choose FRPs for a variety of projects, regardless of scope or scale as they demonstrate distinct advantages when compared to o metals.
According to the latest report and analysis released by Market Watch in August 2021, the global Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) market was valued at US$35,660 million. From 2021 to 2027, the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7% and will hit $41,840 million.
The report goes on to state that FRPs are composite materials composed of a polymer matrix reinforced with materials such as fibers. The fibers are generally glass, carbon, aramid, and so on.
The report goes on to say, “Fiber-Reinforced Plastics are composite materials that typically consist of strong fibers embedded in a resin matrix. The fibers provide strength and stiffness to the composite and generally carry most of the applied loads. The matrix bonds and protects the fibers and provides for the transfer of stress from fiber to fiber through shear stresses. The most common fibers are glass, carbon, and synthetic fibers. FRP composites have very high strength characteristics and are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and lightweight.”
Such composites are a combination of polymer resins, such as a polymer matrix, and glass or carbon fibers as reinforcement. For example, the building and construction industry considers FRPs for their high value, presentation, and performance.
This is because FRPs expand and contract less than aluminum at extreme temperatures, leading to better energy conservation and fewer stresses on surrounding materials.
Over the duration of a project, the advantages of FRPs are seen in several other areas. With less maintenance, repair, and reconstruction, industries can reduce project and maintenance costs.
There’s no need to hire specialized staff to fix problems; budget maintenance follows company protocols and allows for spending in areas that lack funding. For example, in the oil and gas industry, with less corrosion, companies can ensure a return on the initial investment and reduce replacement analysis.
Similarly, fiberglass rods can be used to manufacture strong, lightweight scaffolding, trays, and window reinforcements for commercial construction projects.
Pultruded fiberglass rods provide an ideal substitute for steel rebar in reinforced concrete. These are changing the face of bridge and tunnel building, high-rise construction, and marine and waterfront applications, delivering stellar results compared to traditional steel.
Time is of the essence. In such cases, the time it takes to complete or reinforce a structure is just as important as capital investment. FRPs are an investment that outweighs competitor products. Installation time is shortened when comparing FRPs with other materials, further making them ideal for projects.
When procedures are streamlined and processes save time, companies are more likely to select products that allow them to focus their core competencies on other areas.
When common FRP products like angles, bars, channels, and rods are used in concrete elements, the results further fuel FRPs’ growing popularity.
In all cases, concrete members are strengthened by FRP additions. Generally, glass fibers are the most cost-effective; carbon fibers tend to be the tautest, while aramid fibers are the strongest.
Steel rebar corrosion is responsible for massive asset management costs, requiring millions of dollars over a structure’s lifespan to remediate issues in reinforced concrete infrastructure. In the US, over 54,000 out of 615,000 bridges are considered structurally deficient.
In any case, steel rebar is a $200 million global market. Detailed research has shown that glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) rebar can maintain its microstructural integrity and mechanical properties for more than 15 years.
The United States has plenty of space for cities to grow and expand. However, cities with densely populated areas have had to adapt and improvise to continue growing.
One reason the use of FRP composites in vertical construction has skyrocketed in recent years is the way architectural designs are now being created.
While architects used to create 2D drawings of the structures they wanted to build, things have changed in the Digital Age. Now, architects use digital modeling to explore new possibilities in design.
Digital modeling has given architects the creative and artistic freedom that they haven’t had before. With the ability to explore parametric design, architects can experiment with curves to create some of the world's most visually appealing buildings.
The ability to use FRP composite panels in architecture has opened up design possibilities. Lightweight and customizable, these panels can be used in tall parking structures, residential buildings, and even skyscrapers.
A relevant example of FRP composite panels in practical use can be seen at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Currently, as part of building a new parking structure, the architects will use FRP composite panels to create a rotating design featuring molded cutouts.
This particular design will eliminate the need for a sprinkler system throughout the garage due to the optimized airflow. If one were to attempt to cut holes in steel, it would compromise the material's integrity and strength.
FRP composite panels weigh significantly less than their traditional counterparts. For example, one FRP panel will weigh approximately 2 lbs per square foot, while conventional materials can weigh up to 8 lbs per square foot.
Tencom's team of expert engineers has helped builders, designers, architects, and manufacturers turn their concepts into reality. Our customer-first approach ensures that customers get the right product at the right time and at the right price.
We help you customize FRP components and integrate them into the manufacturing process. Contact Tencom to discuss FRPs for your specific needs.